An autopsy determined a University of St. Thomas student who was found dead in her dorm room in October had asthma, which caused respiratory distress and sudden death, according to the Ramsey County medical examiner’s office.

The medical examiner’s office concluded that Mullen died of natural causes, according to the death certificate signed this week. They did not receive a report of Mullen having a history of asthma, said Lori Hedican, medical examiner’s office chief investigator, on Friday.

Katherine “Kate” Mullen (Courtesy of University of St. Thomas)

Mullen, who was from Andover, was a dean’s list sophomore at St. Thomas and worked in the university’s Academic Counseling & Support office.

She had been a staff member at the Andover YMCA, working in Kids Stuff for two years and at Camp Guy Robinson for three summers. Her family said memorials are preferred to Day Camp Guy Robinson, supporting scholarships for summer camp opportunities. Donations can be made at katie-mullen-tribute.everydayhero.com/us/KM.

“At camp, she was a fun, spunky, and humorous counselor who was loved by all staff!” said a statement on the scholarship fundraising site. “Never afraid to be a little silly, she had a contagious energy that could get campers and staff excited to be at camp! Being able to have a positive impact on kids was very important to her. Her presence will be missed, but her passion will live on through the YMCA kids and staff who got to know her.”

Mara Gottfried has been a Pioneer Press reporter since 2001, mostly covering public safety. Gottfried lived in St. Paul as a young child and returned to the Twin Cities after graduating from the University of Maryland. You can reach her at 651-228-5262.

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